Tabu Search Fundamentals and Uses

Tabu search has achieved widespread successes in solving practical optimization problems. Applications are rapidly growing in areas such as resource management, process design, logistics, technology planning, and general combinatorial optimization. Hybrids with other procedures, both heuristic and algorithmic, have also produced productive results. We examine some of the principal features of tabu search that are most responsible for its successes, and that offer a basis for improved solution methods in the future. Note: This expanded version contains additional illustrations and information on candidate list strategies, probabilistic tabu search, strategic oscillation and parallel processing options. Sections have also been added on principles of intelligent search. Acknowledgement: This work has been supported in part by the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada under Grants 5-83998 and 5-84181.